Differential relieving effects of shikonin and its derivatives on inflammation and mucosal barrier damage caused by ulcerative colitis

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most challenging human diseases. Natural shikonin (SK) and its derivatives (with have higher accumulation) isolated from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon have numerous beneficial effects, such as wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities. Some researchers have reported that hydroxynaphthoquinone mixture (HM) and SK attenuate the acute UC induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). However, no existing study has systemically investigated the effectiveness of SK and other hydroxynaphthoquinone natural derivative monomers on UC. Methods In this study, mice were treated with SK and its derivatives (25 mg/kg) and mesalazine (200 mg/kg) after DSS administration daily for one week. Disease progression was monitored daily by observing the changes in clinical signs and body weight. Results Intragastric administration natural single naphthoquinone attenuated the malignant symptoms induced by DSS. SK or its derivatives remarkably suppressed the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 . Additionally, both SK and alkanin restrained the activities of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in serum and colonic tissues. SK and its derivatives inhibited the activation of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRP3) inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby relieving the DSS-induced disruption of epithelial tight junction (TJ) in colonic tissues. Conclusions Our findings shed more lights on the pharmacological efficacy of SK and its derivatives in UC against inflammation and mucosal barrier damage.